Missouri · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Phelps County, MO

The median household in Phelps County, MO earns $58,396 a year ($4,866/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $933/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $37,320 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 9.2% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$58,396$4,866 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$933HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)90.8-9.2% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate16.2¢per kWh · EIA Residential MO
Census Population45,194Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Phelps County, MO

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$933Monthly market rent
Share of gross income19.2%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$37,320To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,460At 30% of $58,396
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Phelps County, MO

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Phelps County, MO. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Phelps County, MO
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$730$8,760$29,20015%
1-Bedroom Apartment$742$8,904$29,68015.2%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$933$11,196$37,32019.2%
3-Bedroom Home$1,231$14,772$49,24025.3%
4-Bedroom Home$1,235$14,820$49,40025.4%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Phelps County, MO →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Phelps County, MO

Based on the local median household income of $58,396/year ($4,866/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,433/moRent ($933 2-BR), utilities (~$146/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,460/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 90.8 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$973/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Missouri

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Missouri state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$58,396
$20,000$120,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$58,396
Net 81%
Fed 8%
MO 3%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$47,307After all taxes
Monthly deposit$3,942Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,819Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate19%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$4,828 / yr
Missouri state income tax$1,794 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$4,467 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Missouri with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Phelps County, MO

What is the median household income in Phelps County, MO?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Phelps County, MO is $58,396 per year (approximately $4,866 per month).

What is the average rent in Phelps County, MO?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Phelps County, MO are $730 for a studio, $742 for 1 bedroom, $933 for 2 bedrooms, $1,231 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,235 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Phelps County, MO compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Phelps County, MO is 90.8 (9.2% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Phelps County, MO?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($933/month) in Phelps County, MO requires a minimum gross household income of $37,320 per year ($3,110 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Phelps County, MO?

For a typical household earning the median income of $58,396/year ($4,866/month) in Phelps County, MO, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,433/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,460/month to discretionary spending, and $973/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Phelps County, MO?

Residential electricity rates in Missouri average 16.2¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $146 per month.